When I moved to Korea at the age of 24,
I packed up my entire apartment

– clothes, books, dishes, blankets; everything except furniture –
in 9 large rubber bins.
 

When I left Korea five years later (this past June),
the shipping company packed up my entire apartment

including furniture and lots of books and teaching files –

in 42 boxes.
(And I like to consider myself a minimalist!) 

 

   ———- 

Most recently, I packed up again for my year on the World Race. 
This time, I was limited to what I could carry on my back
– including a tent and sleeping bag.  That ain’t much! 

But thankfully, I don’t need much.  Just a teachable spirit
 

 

This will be a physical and spiritual adventure
that I like to compare to the journeys of pioneers, pilgrims, and immigrants of years past. 

(It’s cheesy, and not an exact parallel, but go with it.)

This summer when I visited friends on the West Coast, I was inspired by the beauty of the unspoiled nature.  It was easy to turn a corner, look around, and transport myself a few hundred years back.  I imagined myself to be a newly arrived settler, ready to begin a new life in a new land, thankful that I had gambled it all – even suffered some tragedies, and followed the train of covered wagons. 

 
Again, in early September when I visited friends in New York City, we went to the museum on Ellis Island which focuses on the immigration to the United States in the late 1800’s and early 20th century.  I was so fascinated by the COURAGE of these immigrants and the risks that they took in moving to a new land.  Many of them were fleeing hard times: persecution and famine, for example.  Others were eager to take advantage of an opportunity to experience something potentially better than what they already knew.

What all of these people had in common: 
They left everything that was familiar for a DREAM. 
They clung to the HOPE of a PROMISE.

Such a big step.

Such a big change.
 
       
 

Look into the eyes of these people.

They were ordinary people (not particularly happy, apparently – quite desperate, really)
… with extraordinary FAITH.

Would you do it?  Would you “go”?

Imagine what you could discover about yourself!
about the world! about other people! ABOUT GOD!  

I am entering new territory here.
I’m referring to much more than just countries I haven’t visited yet. 
And I’m not presuming to go where no man has gone before … 

I am developing relationships,
studying and experiencing God’s Truth in deeper ways,
and approaching Life with a Renewed Spirit. 

And there is no room for emotional baggage.  

I am going deeper into my spirit. 
I am being led by the Holy Spirit,
and I am taking my team with me. 
It’s the only way to deal with the wounds and receive healing!

 

How else could I expect to be able to BUILD THE KINGDOM?!